Tube cutting machine



Aug. 1, 1939. R. v. GREEN TUBE CUTTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 17, 1937 Aug- 1, 1939- R. v. GREEN v2,168,203

TUBE CUTTING MACHINE Filed March 1'7, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

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Allg l, 1939- R. v. GREEN 2,168,203 l TUBE CUTTING MACHINE Filed March 17, 1957 s sheets-sheet 5 Aug. 1, 1939.

f R. v. GREEN 2,168,203

TUBE CUTTING MACHINE Filed March 17., 1937 6 Sh-eets-Sheet 6 Patented Aug. 1, 1939 UNITED STATE-S eATENT OFFICE TUBE CUTTING MACHINE Raymond V. Green, Fulton, N. Y.

Application March 17, 1937, Serial No. 131,425

11 Claims.

Myinvention relates to a tube winding machine and I declare the following to be a full, clear, concise and exact description thereof sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the specification.

The object of the invention is to provide a machine for winding and cutting tubes that will eliminate the waste or damaging effects of the machine heretofore used on the paper used to make the tube.

Furthermore, the machine is designed tobe more responsive to automatic features than those now in use. To this end the severing knife is actuated to and from cutting position by using a photoelectric cell which avoids the use of springs heretofore used for retracting the knife with the consequent waste of material.

The object will be understood by referring to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the pulleys and connecting parts employed showing parts in section and parts broken away.

Fig. 3 is a detail view showing a mandrel employed.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the machine.

Fig. 5 is a detail enlarged View showing the parts for holding the annular knife employed, said parts being separated for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6, 6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a detail View showing a plan of the annular cutting knife and motive parts connected thereto, parts being broken away and parts in section. 1

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7, parts being broken away and in section.

Fig. 9 is a detail view somewhat enlarged showing a section of a pulley and supporting sleeve employed.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the parts shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

Fig. 11 is adetail viewenlarged showing a rear elevation of the annular knife and the parts for actuating the same.

Fig. 12 isa detail view showing a perspective with power mechanism for actuating one of the belts.

Fig. 13 is a detail view enlargedshowing an elevation of a guide employed.

Fig. 14 is a circuit diagram.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the machine embodies a table I supported on four legs 2. A rotatable base hereinafter mentioned is mounted on table I. A bracket 5 is bolted at 6, 6 to the top surface of table I. A conical shaped aperture 1 is made through' the upper part of bracket 5 in which is disposed a correspondingly conical shaped bushing 8 having a tight fit therein for permanency.' A hollow shaft or mandrel I6 is fixed to bushing `8. lOne of its ends II is held in the central aperture I2 of bushing 8 in a tight manner, whereby to hold said shaft 4IEI permanently in lplace in a rigid manner.

Hollow shaft I0 projects across the machine and therebeyond. It carries the paper tube I5 hereinafter described. A paper guide I6 is se' cured on shaft I8 and makes contact with one of said strips I1, whereby to guide one of the paper strips I1 spirally along hollow shaft I0.

The means for guiding paper strips I1, I1 to shaft III embodies hanged guide spools 2U, 20. Each of the spools 20 is mounted on ,the upper horizontally disposed end 2| of shaft 22 and held by a set screw 23. The lower end of shaft 22 is sleeved to a cylindrical upstanding casing 24 and held within its central recess by a set screw 25. The lower end of casing 24 is formed integral or otherwise secured to adjustable base 26 having an elongated recess 21 through which projects bolt 28, which is screw threaded to the base part 38 of bracket 5. A washer 3| is employed to prevent the surface of head 32 of bolt 28 passing through recess 21 of adjustable base 26. The above mounting of base part 26 of casing 24 will permit it to be swung on bolt 28 as a pivot or moved longitudinally to the extent of elongated recess 21 for adjustment.

The means for winding the paper strips I1, I1 spirally upon hollow shaft I8 contemplates an endless belt 4l! which is wound once around shaft I8' and carried by oppositely disposed pulleys 4 I, 4I.

' Each of the puleys 4I has a lower flange 42 and is mounted to turn with rotary shafts 473, 44 respectively by a set screw 45. The upper end of each of the shafts 43, 44 has a bearing in a journal 46, whereby it can rotate therein. Each of the journals 46 is bolted at 41, 41 to the upper end of brackets 48, 48. The lower end of shaft `43 has a bearing at 56 in casing 51 which is bolted at 58, 58 to rotatable base 59, and also in thrust bearing 60 in the base of casing 51. Thrust bearing 6Il is equipped with anti-friction balls 6I,

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whereas the lower end of shaft 44 has a bearing at 62 in a similar casing 51, which is bolted at 63, 63 to adjustable base 64.

Adjustable base 64 has a sliding lt with rotary base 59 and to this end is provided with beveled sides 55 that cooperate with corresponding sides of rotary base 59. Wear strips 66, 66 are disposed between said beveled sides 65 of rotatable base 59 and the corresponding sides of base 64. Bolts 61 are screw mounted to the lateral sides of base 59. The inner ends of said bolts 61 abut against the lateral sides of wear strips 66, whereby to push said strips 66 inward to take up any play from the wear of said contiguous beveled sides.

The means for moving base 64 longitudinally relative to base 59 for adjustment purposes embodies a threaded bolt 68 which has a threaded bearing in upstanding bearing member 69 formed integral or otherwise fastened to rotatable base 59. The opposite end of bolt 68 is swiveled to standing lug 'H made integral with base 64.

Hand wheel 11 having crank handle 18 is keyed to the outer end of bolt 98 and held between collar 10 made integral with the headed part of screw bolt 68 and nut 12 screw mounted to the end of said bolt 68.

The turning of hand wheel 11 to the right or left will move base 64 longitudinally relative to rotatable base 59, whereby to tighten or loosen belt 40.

Rotatable base 59 is pivotally supported at 80 on table I. The means for turning base 59 on its central pivot embodies a threaded bolt 8| having a crank arm 82. Bolt BI has a bearing in journal box 83 fastened permanently to the base of bracket 5. Collars 84, 84 are disposed on either side of journal box 83 and securely attached to threaded bolt 8|, whereby to hold said bolt 8| from moving longitudinally with respect to journal box 83. The opposite end of threaded bolt 8| has a threaded bearing in and projects through upstanding bearing 95 formed integral or otherwise fastened to the under side of rotatable base 59, whereby the turning of bolt 8| by crank handle 82 will rock base member 59 on its central pivot 80.

The means for rotating pulleys 4 I, 4I and thereby actuating belt 40 contemplates a right handed worm gear tightly fixed to the lower end of upstanding shaft 44, having a bearing in casing 51 which meshes with a corresponding right handed worm 9| formed integral with horizontal adjustable shaft 92 hereinafter explained, and the left handed worm gear made integral with the lower end of shaft 43, having a bearing in casing 51, and meshing with .left handed worm 96 formed integral with master shaft |00.

Master shaft |00 is carried` in electric motor |0| and rotated thereby. Motor |0| is bolted to rotatable base 59 at |02, |02. Master shaft |00 extends centrally way through motor IOI and beyond where it engages the expansible extension coupling |03.

Coupling |03 comprises-.end disc |04 having a central tubular bearing at |05 formed integral or otherwise secured to said disc |04. 'Ihe extended end of master shaft |00 projects part way into tubular bearing at |05 and is keyed at |06 to cause said bearing |05 and disc |04 to turn therewith. A second disc |01 spaced from the first disc |04 is mounted to turn with said rst named disc |04 and with tubular bearing |05 by means of connecting rods through aligned apertures formed adjacent the peripheral edges of discs |04 and |01 and extend therebeyond to engage correspondinglyaligned ||0 which are projected apertures in the third disc III Disc III has a central aperture I I2 for the tight fit of adjustable shaft 92, heretofore mentioned, whereby to turn therewith. Shaft 92 also has a tight fit or is keyed to disc |01, whereby to turn therewith. End disc |04 is stationary relative to rods ||0, whereas discs |01 and I I I have a sliding fit therealong. This construction will cause shaft 92 to rotate with master shaft |00 and also to move axially relative thereto. Nuts I I3 are screw mounted to the ends of connecting rods ||0 to hold said rods in place and to prevent end disc II I from sliding thereoif. Said shaft 92 is movable longitudinally with base 64, as heretofore explained.

The means for cutting paper tube I5 which is formed by paper or cardboard strips I1, I1 into predetermined lengths, contemplates a circular knife ||5 sandwiched between discs |I6 and II1. Each of the discs II6 and ||1 has its outer side beveled at ||8 and each has a countersunk surface at ||9 on its opposite face for the reception of the raised lateral portions |20, |20 of knife I I5. Furthermore, disc ||6 has a central hub portion I2| that fits into the countersunk recess |22 made.

on one side of circular knife |I5.

Circular knife ||5 and its cooperating discs II6 and I I1 have a close sliding t on rotary shaft |25 and held tight thereto by nut |26a, whereby to rotate therewith. Moreover discs |I6 and ||1 are between collar or bushing |23 on shaft |25 and end nut |26a which is screw threaded thereto to cause said circular knife I I5 to turn with shaft |25, as above explained.

Shaft |25 is made preferably of bronze, or nonmagnetic steel, whereby it cannot be magnetized. It has a bearing at one end in sleeve |26 which is journaled in the upper bearing part |21 of rock arm |28. Narrow collars |29, |29 are disposed on shaft |25 adjacent the ends of sleeve |26,

whereby to provide an oil space between shaft |25 and the inner surface of rotary sleeve |26. The opposite reduced part |30 of shaft |25 has a bearing in sleeve |3| that is journaled in the upper bearing part |32 of member |33 bolted at |34, |34 to rock arm |35. The lower end of rock arm |23 as well as that of rock arm |35 has a bearing for the projection of rock shaft |36 toy which they are keyed at |31, |31. Shaft |36 is mounted to turn in bearings |38, I 38 that are bolted to base |39.

Base |39 is bolted at |40, |40 to the upper plate |4I of casing |42. Said bolts engage elongated apertures |43, I 43 for adjustability. A center headed bolt |44 projecting through base |39 and threaded to plate |4I can be used as a pivot upon which base'IBS can be turned relative to plate I4| when bolts |40, |40`are withdrawn if desired.

'Ihe lower base plate |45 of casing |42 is bolted or otherwise secured to adjustable plate |45 having a depending central portion |41 with beveled sides |48, |48 that engage correspondingly beveled sides in the plate |49 there beneath. Plate |49 is fixed permanently to the table I.

The means for moving adjustable plate |46 relative to plate |49 embodies a screw bolt I 49a having vits inner end swiveled in upstanding lug |49b fixed to plate -|46. The opposite end of screw bolt |49a has a threaded engagement in an aperture in upstanding lug |49d fixed to plate |49. The end bolt |49a is angled for'the application of a crank arm I49e. The turning of bolty |49a.to"-the right `or left will adjust the position of annular knife ||5 relative to tube I5.

A pulley |50 is keyed at I5| to turn with the rotary sleeve |3|. It isfconnected to a lower pulley |52 keyed to turn with the power shaft |53 of electric motor |54 by a belt |55. The legs |56, |56 of motor |54 are secured to base |45. A fibre covering |51 is used to enclose the sides of said motor |54.

The means for relieving the pull of belt |55 on shaft |25 embodies the aforesaid sleeve I3I which has thrust bearings |58, |58 in bearing part |32 of member |33. Thrustvbearings |58, |58 have anti-friction balls |59, |59 therein. Sleeve I3I extends in both directions beyond member I 33 suciently far at the right hand to allow for the mountingof pulley |50 and at the other end for the mounting of a key |60.

Although sleeve I3I does not move axially with shaft |25, it is made to rotate therewith b-y means of a key |60 having a threaded upstanding part I6I that projects upward through a suitable aperture inV sleeve |3I. A nutV |62 is mounted lto the threaded upward extended ,part to hold said key position. There is also another upstanding part |53 engaging the end of sleeve I3I. Key |60 has a sliding t in key way |64 made in the reduced part |30 of shaft |25, whereby said shaft |25 can slide longitudinally within predetermined limits in sleeve I3I as hereinafter explained although both sleeves IBI and shaft |25 rotate together as above stated. A bushing or collar |55 mounted to the end of reduced part |30 of shaft |25 limits the longitudinalvmovement of shaft |25 in one direction and the shoulder on shaft |25 at |66 in the other.

As above stated shaft |25 can move freely longitudinally within its bearing |21 and sleeve I3I, within predetermined limits. Said shaft |25 will move to the right as seen in Fig. 8 when annular knife II5 engages paper tube I5. In this instance knife II5 is dragged along by the advance of said tube I5.

The means for retracting shaft |25 longitudinally or axially tofull line position as shown in Fig. 8 contemplates sleeve |10 made of cast iron or other material readily magnetizable mounted on the first reduced part I1| of shaft |25 and held to move therewith by a set screw |12.

Sleeve |10 is projected through the central core |13 of' electric magnet |14, and has a sliding t therein. Magnet |14 is enclosed at either end with bronze housing annular members |15, |15. Housing members |15, |15v are bolted at |16, |16 to yoke member |11 that is formed integral or otherwise secured to bearing bushing |18 through which projects rock shaft |36 heretofore mentioned. Bearing bushing |18 is keyed to shaft |36, whereby to turn therewith. A fibre casing |19 is fastened by screw bolts I 86 to the peripheral edges of annular members |15, |15, whereby to enclose said magnet |14. It will be observed that the above mounting of magnet |14 takes theloadf of said magnet |14 off fromshaft |25.

When magnet |14 is electrically energized, it will draw axially said sleeve I 10 and shaft |25 connected thereto to the left or within said magnet |14 as shown'in full line in Figs. '1 and`8. When it is demagnetized it will allow said shaft |25 to slide axially to the right or into dotted line position shown inFigs. 4 and 8.

The means for magnetizing and demagnetizing magnet |14 embodies a mercury switch |95 that is mounted on an arm'l86 which is formed integral with bearingV bushing |18 andl rocks therewith. Arm |86 extends toward the rear.

Its free end |90 is provided with an elongated slot I9I through which projects a short shaft |92. Shaft |92 projects beyond the lateral sides of arm |86 and has tight bearings in connecting plates |93, |93.

Plates |93, |93 are connected to iron thrust core |95 of electric magnet |96 and adapted to move up and down with said core |95, whereby to rock arm |86, mercury switch mounted thereon, magnet 14, annular knife II5 and other connected parts from full to dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 10. When magnet |96 is energized it will draw'thrust core |95 upwards through said magnet and when demagnetized it will allow said plates'l96, |96 to fall by gravity assisted by spring 20, hereinafter mentioned.

The `means for holding arm I 86 and its connected and related parts in normal or full line position illustrated in Fig. 10 embodies coiled spring 200 which is disposed between stud 20| fastened to the under surface of the horizontal transverse part 202 of channel shaped bracket 203 bolted at 204, 204 to the lateral edges of base plate |39 and stud 205`fastened to the upper surface of arm |86 near its free or rear end. The lower surface of arm |86 is beveled or cut away at 206, whereby to t flush with the upper surface of base plate |39 when it is in full line position shown in Fig. 10.

Mercury switch |85 is connected in electric circuit by wires 2I0, 2|I and 2|2 with magnet |14 and an electric motor dynamo 2Il|v or some electric source of energy. Motor dynamo 2|4 is usedY to energize magnet |14. The means for rocking arm |86 and its connected parts including annular knife II 5 embodies a magnet coil 2I3 oi' -electromagnet |35.

Magnet 2I3 coil is supported in a frame 22| fastened to the framework 222 of casing |42 in such manner as to be located below the free end of arm |86.

When the end of tube I5 intercepts the rays of light 22| passing from` light source 225 to photoelectric cell 2I1, said cell 2I1 will send an electric impulse through relay 2I8 which in turn will energize magnet 2I3. pon the energizing of magnet 2I3, iron thrust core |95 will move Y upward into magnet' 2I3 and thereby elevate the free end |90 of arm |86 through connecting plates |93, I 93. This will rock shaft |36 which is keyed to rock with arm |85 and shaft |25 with its connecting parts including annular knife II5 into dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 10, whereby said annular knife i I5 will eut and sever the revolving paper tube I5.

Furthermore, in this dotted line position of knife II5 shown in Fig. 10 lin which it engages tube I5, mercury switch |85 will be slightly tipped in the opposite direction, whereby the mercury will run towards the front and away from the electric terminals not shown of wires 2|@ and 2H thereupon the electric circuit through magnet |14 will be broken, whereupon said magnet |14 will be demagnetizedto allow for the sliding of shaft |25 axially to the right in Figure 8 simultaneously and parallel to the axial movement of tube I5 until said annular knife II5 has reached the dotted line position pass to photoelectric' cell 2I1 unobstructed, whereupon said cell will automatically send an electric impulse to relay 2|8 which will demagnetize magnet 2I3 and allow iron thrust core |95 to fall. Relay 2I8 has switches 225 which are controlled by springs 226. This in Vturn will allow the free end of arm |86 to move downward under pressure of `coiled spring 200, whereupon mercury switch |85 mounted on said arm |86 will be tipped at an angle into full line position shown in Fig. l0, and thereby make an electric connection or circuit through magnet |14 to magnetize the same and retract sleeve |10 and shaft |25 projected therethrough to full line position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 8 where knife II5 will be ready for the next succeeding advance to cut tube I5.

The means for rapidly rotating annular knife II5 embodies the aforesaid electric motor |54Y which is connected to shaft |25 by pulleys |50, said |52 therebelow and belt |55 as above described. Moreover, motor |54 is housed in casing |42. Fiber pieces secured by screw bolts 2I5 enclose the sides of casing |42.

The operation of the machine is effected by feeding the paper strips I1, I1 from opposite sides over spools 20, 20 onto stationary shaft I0. Guide I6 will contact one of said strips I1 to aid in directing said strips in a spiral manner along said shaft I0. Furthermore, said strips I1,` I1 are fed so as to slightly overlap on their respective edges and will move under belt 40.

The paper strips I1, I1 thus started initially will be pushed along on stationary shaft I0 by belt 40 and beyond the right hand end of said shaft I0. When the free end of tube I5 moves opposite light 220 it will intercept the rays 22| and prevent them from reaching photoelectric cell 2I1, which will send an electric impulse to relay 2I8, that in turn will cause an electric current to energize magnet 2I3 whereupon iron thrust core will be drawn upwards into said magnet 2I3 and simultaneously elevate connecting plates |93, |93, whereby to rock arm |86 and connected parts including mercury switch |85 and annular knife II5 into dotted line position shown in Fig. 10. Annular knife II5 will thereupon cut tube I5 which revolves as it progresses axially.

In this latter position of arm |86, mercury switch |85 will break automatically the electric circuit through magnet I 14 and thereby allow shaft |25 to travel axially simultaneously with annular knife 5 which will be dragged along to dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 8 by its engagement with traveling tube I5. At the dotted line position shown in Fig. 8 tube I5 will have made one complete revolution in contact with annular knife II5 and be severed, Whereupon said severed part will fall into a receptacle, not shown.

Immediately said severed part of tube I5 falls, the rays of light 22| will pass unobstructed to photoelectric cell 2| 1, which will send an electric impulse through relay 2|8 to break the electric circuit to magnet 2I3, thereupon thrust core |95 and connecting plates |93, |93 will fall. 'Ihis will allow arm |85 to rock back to full line position shown in Fig. 10 under pressure of coiled spring 200, whereupon annular knife II5 will be withdrawn from any further contact with tube I5 and simultaneously mercury switch |85 will cause an electric circuit through magnet |14. Magnet |14 will retract sleeve |10 and shaft |25 connected thereto to full line posi? tion illustrated.` inFig.l 8 where it will be ready forl the next :cycle of Voperations above described.

In the event belt 40 needs tightening the operator will turn crank handle 18. Its angle relative to mandrel I0 can be determined by.

turning crank handle 82. Furthermore, the adjustment of knife II5 relative to tube I5 can be controlled by turning crank arm |49e.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as'follows:

l. In a tube winding machine, a knife mounted on a movable shaft, movablein both a parallel direction along its axis and also transverse thereto, an electric magnet for moving said shaft in one direction and abearing for allowing said shaft to move freely inlthe opposite direction.

2. In a tube winding machine, a life for cutting a tube, .a shaft for supporting said knife, a magnetizable` sleeve mounted on said shaft, a

magnet ,for supporting said sleeve, means for energizing said magnet, whereby to move saidv shaft axially and means for demagnetizing said magnet, whereby to allow said shaft to move freely in the opposite direction.

3. In a tube winding machine, an annular knife for cutting a tube, a shaft for supporting said knife, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said shaft, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, automatic means for magnetizing said magnet, whereby to move said shaft axially and means for rotating said shaft.

4. l'n a tube winding machine, an annular knife for cutting a tube, a shaft for supporting said knife, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said shaft, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, means for energizing said magnet, Whereby to move said shaft axially and means for rocking said shaft and knife carried thereon within predetermined limits.

5. In a tube winding machine, a knife,a shaft for supporting said knife, a sleeve mounted on said shaft, yan electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, a mercury switch for magnetizing said magnet at predetermined intervals, whereby to move said shaft axially and other means for rocking said knife within predetermined limits.

6. In a tube winding machine, an annular' knife, a rotatable shaft for supporting said knife, a sleeve mounted on said shaft, an electric magnet forv supporting said sleeve, a mercury switch for magnetizing said magnet, whereby to move said shaft axially, a pulley for rotating said shaft and .means for relieving the load of said pulley on said shaft.

'1. In a tube winding machine, an annular knife for cutting a tube, a non-magnetic shaft for supporting said knife, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said shaft, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, a mercury switch for magnetizing said magnet, whereby to move said shaft axially and means for rotating said shaft, whereby to revolve said knife.

8. In a tube winding machine, an annular knife for cutting a tube, a non-magnetic shaft for supporting said knife, a magnetized sleeve mounted ,on said shaft, an electric magnet supporting said sleeve, a mercury switch for mag# netizing said magnet, whereby to move said shaft axially, another sleeve mounted adjacent said shaft and turning therewith and a pulley connected with said last namedV sleeve, whereby to rotate said sleeve and shaft. 9. In Va tube winding machine, an annular knife, a shaft4 for supporting said knife, .said

shaft having a reduced part, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said reduced part, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, a mercury switch for magnetizing said magnet, Whereby to move said shaft axially and means for rotating said shaft and knife mounted thereon.

10. In a tube Winding machine, an annular knife for cutting a tube, a shaft having a reduced portion for supporting said knife, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said shaft and adapted to move therewith, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, automatic means for magnetizing said magnet at predetermined intervals, whereby to move said shaft axially and means for rotating said shaft and knife carried thereon. y

11. In a tube winding machine, an annular knife, a shaft having a reduced portion for supporting said knife, a magnetizable sleeve mounted on said shaft, an electric magnet for supporting said sleeve, means for magnetizing said magnet, whereby to move said shaft axially at predetermined intervals, a second sleeve mounted adjacent said shaft, a pulley mounted on said second named sleeve and means for connecting said second named sleeve with said shaft, Whereby the rotation of said pulley will rotate said shaft and knife carried thereon.

RAYMOND V. GREEN. 

